Harrison and colleagues conducted 3 separate studies to
evaluate the effects of a gentle touch intervention similar
to the one provided by Tribotti.27–29,32 The infants in these
studies were from 26 to 33 weeks of GA at birth, and the
touch was provided for 10-to 15-minute periods, once or
3 times a day, for 5 to 10 days. Findings from all 3 studies
indicated that there were decreased levels of motor activity
and behavioral distress during the touch, compared with
baseline and post-touch periods. In addition, there were no
clinically significant changes in oxygen saturation or heart
rate levels during the touch.